Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for downlink assignments for downlink control channels. One method includes determining a third set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions that comprises first downlink control channel monitoring occasions and second downlink control channel monitoring occasions, and associated search spaces correspond to two different control resource sets comprising a first control resource set and a second control resource set, wherein: demodulation reference signal ports of the first control resource set are quasi-collocated with a first set of reference signals; demodulation reference signal ports of the second control resource set are quasi-collocated with a second set of reference signals. The method includes monitoring one or more downlink control channel candidates in at least one slot of the third set of monitoring occasions if the one or more downlink control channel candidates carry the same downlink control information.
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1. A method comprising: receiving a first indication comprising a first search space identity and a second search space identity, wherein the first search space identity and the second search space identity are for a set of associated search spaces comprising a first search space and a second search space; determining a first set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions for the first search space; determining a second set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions for the second search space; determining a third set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions corresponding to the associated search spaces, wherein the third set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions comprises a subset of the first downlink control channel monitoring occasions and the second set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions, the first search space corresponds to a first control resource set, and the second search space corresponds to a second control resource set, and wherein: demodulation reference signal ports of the first control resource set are quasi-collocated with first ports of a first set of reference signals; demodulation reference signal ports of the second control resource set are quasi-collocated with second ports of a second set of reference signals; and the first set of reference signals and the second set of reference signals are different; and monitoring one or more downlink control channel candidates in at least one slot of the third set of monitoring occasions in response to the one or more downlink control channel candidates carrying the same downlink control information.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for monitoring downlink control channels in a network where multiple search spaces are associated and share monitoring occasions. The problem addressed is the efficient management of control channel monitoring to reduce overhead and improve resource utilization when multiple search spaces are linked. The method involves receiving indications of two search space identities (first and second) that belong to a set of associated search spaces. For each search space, a set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions is determined. A third set of monitoring occasions is then derived, consisting of a subset of the monitoring occasions from both search spaces. This third set is used for monitoring downlink control channel candidates that carry identical downlink control information. The first search space corresponds to a first control resource set (CORESET) whose demodulation reference signal (DMRS) ports are quasi-collocated (QCL) with a first set of reference signal ports. Similarly, the second search space corresponds to a second CORESET with DMRS ports QCL to a second set of reference signal ports. The reference signal sets are different, ensuring distinct channel estimation for each CORESET. The method optimizes monitoring by leveraging shared occasions for identical control information, reducing redundancy and improving efficiency in wireless communication systems.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving a second indication indicating that a transport block of downlink data to be delivered to a user equipment via one or more downlink shared channels at each hybrid automatic repeat request transmission stage; wherein the one or more downlink shared channels are scheduled by one or more corresponding downlink control channels.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving data delivery efficiency in downlink transmissions using hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) protocols. The problem addressed is optimizing the handling of transport blocks (TBs) in downlink shared channels (DL-SCH) across multiple HARQ transmission stages to enhance reliability and throughput. The method involves receiving a second indication that specifies a transport block of downlink data intended for a user equipment (UE). This data is delivered via one or more downlink shared channels at each HARQ transmission stage. The downlink shared channels are scheduled by corresponding downlink control channels, which provide the necessary resource allocation and transmission parameters. The method ensures that the transport block is properly managed across retransmissions, allowing the UE to reconstruct the data accurately. This approach improves error recovery and reduces unnecessary retransmissions, enhancing overall system performance. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where reliable data delivery is critical, such as in high-speed or high-latency environments.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein in response to the user equipment receiving multiple downlink control channels carrying a same hybrid automatic repeat request process number in the downlink control information within a monitoring occasion window of at least one search space, the user equipment assumes that the multiple downlink control channels schedule multiple associated downlink shared channels carrying the same transport block, and the monitoring occasion window comprises a set of consecutive monitoring occasions comprising at least one monitoring occasion selected from the first set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions, the second set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions, and the third set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving downlink control channel handling in user equipment (UE) to manage multiple downlink control channels carrying the same hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process number within a monitoring occasion window. The problem addressed is the ambiguity in interpreting multiple downlink control channels that schedule the same HARQ process, which can lead to inefficiencies in data transmission and reception. The solution involves a method where the UE, upon receiving multiple downlink control channels within a monitoring occasion window of at least one search space, assumes that these channels schedule multiple associated downlink shared channels carrying the same transport block. The monitoring occasion window consists of consecutive monitoring occasions, which may include at least one occasion from predefined sets of downlink control channel monitoring occasions. This approach ensures that the UE correctly interprets the multiple control channels as scheduling redundant or diverse transmissions of the same data, improving reliability and reducing misinterpretation. The method enhances synchronization between the UE and the network, particularly in scenarios with multiple control channels targeting the same HARQ process.
4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising: receiving a third indication indicating multiple hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment resources, wherein each resource of the multiple hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment resources corresponds to a downlink shared channel of the associated downlink shared channels; decoding a first downlink shared channel of the associated downlink shared channel; and in response to successful decoding of the first downlink shared channel: determining a subset of the multiple hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment resources that occur after a processing delay resulting from processing the first downlink shared channel; selecting a hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment resource from the subset of the multiple hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment resources that has an earliest starting symbol; and transmitting a positive acknowledgment on the hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment resource.
In wireless communication systems, efficient downlink data transmission and acknowledgment mechanisms are critical for maintaining high throughput and reliability. A method addresses the challenge of managing hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) resources when multiple downlink shared channels (DL-SCHs) are received, ensuring timely and accurate acknowledgment transmission. The method involves receiving an indication of multiple HARQ-ACK resources, where each resource corresponds to a specific DL-SCH. Upon successfully decoding a first DL-SCH, the method determines a subset of available HARQ-ACK resources that occur after a processing delay required to process the first DL-SCH. From this subset, the earliest available HARQ-ACK resource is selected, and a positive acknowledgment (ACK) is transmitted on that resource. This approach optimizes resource utilization and minimizes latency by dynamically selecting the most suitable HARQ-ACK resource based on real-time processing constraints. The method ensures that acknowledgments are transmitted promptly while adhering to processing delays, improving overall system efficiency in high-data-rate scenarios.
5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the user equipment is configured to: receive a first user equipment indication indicating that a transmission configuration index field is present in downlink control channels of the first control resource set; and receive a second user equipment indication indicating that the transmission configuration index field is present in downlink control channels of the second control resource set; wherein the transmission configuration index field in a downlink control channel provides information on quasi-co-location relationships between downlink reference signals in one reference signal set and the downlink control channel demodulation reference signal ports.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for configuring user equipment (UE) to interpret downlink control channels in a 5G or similar cellular network. The problem addressed is the need for efficient signaling of quasi-co-location (QCL) relationships between downlink reference signals and demodulation reference signals (DM-RS) in control channels, which is critical for accurate channel estimation and demodulation. The UE is configured to receive two separate indications. The first indication signals that a transmission configuration index (TCI) field is present in downlink control channels of a first control resource set (CORESET). The second indication signals that the TCI field is also present in downlink control channels of a second CORESET. The TCI field in these downlink control channels provides information about QCL relationships between downlink reference signals (e.g., channel state information reference signals or synchronization signals) in a reference signal set and the DM-RS ports used for demodulating the control channels. This allows the UE to determine the appropriate QCL assumptions for each CORESET, improving reception reliability and reducing signaling overhead. The method ensures that the UE can dynamically adapt to changing channel conditions by updating the TCI state for different CORESETS independently.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving a fourth indication indicating a monitoring periodicity; and determining the third set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions corresponding to the associated search spaces based on the monitoring periodicity; wherein: the first search space comprises a first monitoring periodicity and the second search space comprises a second monitoring periodicity; and the monitoring periodicity is larger than the first monitoring periodicity and the second monitoring periodicity.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for monitoring downlink control channels in a network. The problem addressed is the efficient management of control channel monitoring occasions to reduce power consumption and processing overhead in user devices while maintaining reliable communication. The method involves a wireless communication system where a user device monitors downlink control channels to receive scheduling information from a base station. The system includes multiple search spaces, each with a defined monitoring periodicity. A first search space has a first monitoring periodicity, and a second search space has a second monitoring periodicity. The method further includes receiving an indication of a monitoring periodicity that is larger than both the first and second monitoring periodicities. Based on this larger monitoring periodicity, the system determines a set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions corresponding to the associated search spaces. This allows the user device to adjust its monitoring schedule dynamically, reducing unnecessary monitoring and conserving power while ensuring critical control information is still received. The method ensures that the user device only monitors control channels at the necessary intervals, optimizing resource usage and improving efficiency in the wireless network.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving a fifth indication indicating a duration; determining the third set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions corresponding to the associated search spaces based on the duration, wherein: the first search space comprises a first monitoring periodicity and a first duration, and the second search space comprises a second monitoring periodicity and a second duration; and the duration is different from the first duration and the second duration; and monitoring downlink control channel candidates in the associated search spaces in a number of consecutive slots indicated by the duration.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for monitoring downlink control channels in a user equipment (UE) device. The problem addressed is the efficient management of downlink control channel monitoring occasions to reduce power consumption and processing overhead in the UE while ensuring reliable reception of control information from a base station. The method involves receiving a duration indication and determining a set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions based on this duration. The monitoring occasions correspond to associated search spaces, which are regions in time and frequency where the UE expects to receive downlink control information. Each search space has its own monitoring periodicity and duration. The received duration is different from the individual durations of the first and second search spaces, allowing flexible adjustment of monitoring intervals. The UE monitors downlink control channel candidates in the associated search spaces over a number of consecutive slots specified by the duration. This approach enables dynamic adaptation of monitoring patterns, optimizing resource usage and power efficiency. The method ensures that the UE can efficiently track control channels while minimizing unnecessary processing, particularly in scenarios with varying traffic demands or network conditions. The solution is applicable in 5G and other advanced wireless communication systems where efficient control channel monitoring is critical.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: monitoring one or more downlink control channel candidates in a first slot of the first set of monitoring occasions; monitoring one or more downlink control channel candidates in a second slot of the second set of monitoring occasions; and assuming that the one or more downlink control channel candidates in the first slot of the first set of monitoring occasions and the one or more downlink control channel candidates in the second slot of the second set of monitoring occasions carry the same downlink control information.
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G and beyond, efficient downlink control channel monitoring is critical for reliable data transmission. A key challenge is ensuring that user equipment (UE) can accurately detect and decode downlink control information (DCI) across multiple monitoring occasions while minimizing resource overhead and processing complexity. This invention addresses this by optimizing the monitoring of downlink control channels in a time-division multiplexed (TDM) manner. The method involves monitoring downlink control channel candidates in two distinct slots: a first slot within a first set of monitoring occasions and a second slot within a second set of monitoring occasions. The UE assumes that the downlink control information carried in these candidates is identical, allowing for redundancy and improved reliability. This approach reduces the need for repeated transmissions while ensuring that the UE can successfully decode the DCI even if one of the slots experiences interference or signal degradation. The method enhances spectral efficiency and reduces latency by leveraging the same DCI across multiple slots, thereby improving overall system performance in dynamic wireless environments.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein one or more downlink shared channels are scheduled by one or more corresponding downlink control channels, and the method further comprises: receiving a sixth indication updating an interpretation of a transmission configuration index field in downlink data assignments; and applying the interpretation after a last downlink shared channel reception corresponding to the one or more downlink shared channels.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving the handling of downlink shared channels and their associated control channels. The problem addressed involves efficiently updating the interpretation of a transmission configuration index (TCI) field in downlink data assignments without disrupting ongoing communications. The method involves scheduling one or more downlink shared channels using corresponding downlink control channels. A sixth indication is received, which updates the interpretation of the TCI field in downlink data assignments. The updated interpretation is applied after the last downlink shared channel reception corresponding to the scheduled channels. This ensures that ongoing transmissions are not interrupted while allowing the system to adapt to new configurations. The method may also include receiving a first indication of a first set of transmission configuration states, a second indication of a second set of transmission configuration states, and a third indication of a third set of transmission configuration states. A fourth indication may specify a default transmission configuration state, and a fifth indication may specify a default transmission configuration state for a physical downlink shared channel. The method further involves receiving a downlink data assignment that includes a TCI field, determining a transmission configuration state based on the TCI field and the updated interpretation, and receiving downlink data using the determined transmission configuration state. This approach enhances flexibility and reliability in wireless communication systems by dynamically adjusting transmission configurations while maintaining stable data reception.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein: the demodulation reference signal ports of the first control resource set comprise a first set of demodulation reference signal ports and a second set of demodulation reference signal ports; the first set of demodulation reference signal ports are quasi-collocated with the first set of reference signals; and the second set of demodulation reference signal ports are quasi-collocated with a third set of reference signals, and the first and the third sets of reference signals are different.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port configurations in control resource sets (CORESETs) to enhance signal reception reliability. The problem addressed involves ensuring accurate channel estimation for downlink control channels by properly associating DMRS ports with reference signals (RS) that share similar propagation characteristics, a concept known as quasi-co-location (QCL). The method involves configuring a first CORESET with multiple DMRS ports divided into two distinct sets. The first set of DMRS ports is quasi-co-located with a first set of RS, meaning they share properties like Doppler shift, delay spread, or spatial parameters. The second set of DMRS ports is quasi-co-located with a third set of RS, which differs from the first set. This separation allows the system to leverage different RS sources for different DMRS ports, improving channel estimation accuracy by matching each port to the most relevant RS. The approach ensures that each DMRS port inherits the optimal propagation characteristics from its associated RS, reducing errors in demodulation and enhancing overall communication reliability. This technique is particularly useful in scenarios with dynamic channel conditions or multi-beam transmissions.
11. An apparatus comprising: a receiver that receives a first indication comprising a first search space identity and a second search space identity, wherein the first search space identity and the second search space identity are for a set of associated search spaces comprising a first search space and a second search space; and a processor that: determines a first set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions for the first search space; determines a second set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions for the second search space; determines a third set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions corresponding to the associated search spaces, wherein the third set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions comprises a subset of the first downlink control channel monitoring occasions and the second set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions, the first search space corresponds to a first control resource set, and the second search space corresponds to a second control resource set, and wherein: demodulation reference signal ports of the first control resource set are quasi-collocated with first ports of a first set of reference signals; demodulation reference signal ports of the second control resource set are quasi-collocated with second ports of a second set of reference signals; and the first set of reference signals and the second set of reference signals are different; and monitors one or more downlink control channel candidates in at least one slot of the third set of monitoring occasions in response to the one or more downlink control channel candidates carrying the same downlink control information.
This apparatus relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to the monitoring of downlink control channels in a network where multiple search spaces are associated and share common monitoring occasions. The problem addressed is the efficient management of control channel monitoring to reduce overhead and improve resource utilization while maintaining reliable communication. The apparatus includes a receiver that obtains a first indication containing two search space identities, which define a set of associated search spaces comprising a first and second search space. A processor then determines monitoring occasions for each search space separately, as well as a combined set of monitoring occasions that is a subset of the individual sets. The first search space corresponds to a first control resource set (CORESET) whose demodulation reference signal (DMRS) ports are quasi-collocated (QCL) with a first set of reference signals, while the second search space corresponds to a second CORESET with DMRS ports QCL to a different set of reference signals. The processor monitors downlink control channel candidates in the combined monitoring occasions when the candidates carry identical downlink control information, optimizing resource usage by avoiding redundant monitoring. This approach ensures efficient control channel detection while leveraging QCL assumptions for accurate signal reception.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein: the receiver receives a second indication indicating that a transport block of downlink data to be delivered to the apparatus via one or more downlink shared channels at each hybrid automatic repeat request transmission stage; and the one or more downlink shared channels are scheduled by one or more corresponding downlink control channels.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving data delivery efficiency in hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes. The problem addressed is the need for more flexible and efficient scheduling of downlink data transmissions, particularly when handling transport blocks across multiple HARQ transmission stages. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to obtain a second indication that specifies a transport block of downlink data to be delivered via one or more downlink shared channels at each HARQ transmission stage. The apparatus also includes a transmitter configured to send a first indication to a network node, where the first indication specifies a capability of the apparatus to receive the transport block via the one or more downlink shared channels at each HARQ transmission stage. The downlink shared channels are scheduled by one or more corresponding downlink control channels, ensuring coordinated and reliable data delivery. This approach enhances data transmission efficiency by allowing the apparatus to dynamically adjust its reception capabilities based on network conditions and HARQ feedback, reducing redundant transmissions and improving overall throughput. The system supports flexible scheduling, enabling the network to optimize resource allocation while maintaining low-latency communication.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein in response to the apparatus receiving multiple downlink control channels carrying a same hybrid automatic repeat request process number in the downlink control information within a monitoring occasion window of at least one search space, the apparatus assumes that the multiple downlink control channels schedule multiple associated downlink shared channels carrying the same transport block, and the monitoring occasion window comprises a set of consecutive monitoring occasions comprising at least one monitoring occasion selected from the first set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions, the second set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions, and the third set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions.
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G New Radio (NR) networks, downlink control channels are used to schedule downlink shared channels carrying user data. A challenge arises when multiple downlink control channels within a monitoring occasion window carry the same hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process number, leading to ambiguity in determining which downlink shared channel is scheduled. This can result in inefficient resource utilization and potential data loss. The invention addresses this issue by providing an apparatus that processes multiple downlink control channels within a monitoring occasion window of a search space. When the apparatus detects multiple downlink control channels carrying the same HARQ process number, it assumes that these channels schedule multiple associated downlink shared channels, each carrying the same transport block. The monitoring occasion window consists of consecutive monitoring occasions, which may include at least one occasion from predefined sets of downlink control channel monitoring occasions. This approach ensures that the apparatus correctly interprets the scheduling information, improving reliability and efficiency in data transmission. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple control channels are transmitted to enhance robustness or support different transmission modes.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising a transmitter, wherein: the receiver receives a third indication indicating multiple hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment resources, wherein each resource of the multiple hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment resources corresponds to a downlink shared channel of the associated downlink shared channels; the processor decodes a first downlink shared channel of the associated downlink shared channel; and in response to successful decoding of the first downlink shared channel: the processor determines a subset of the multiple hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment resources that occur after a processing delay resulting from processing the first downlink shared channel; the processor selects a hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment resource from the subset of the multiple hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment resources that has an earliest starting symbol; and the transmitter transmits a positive acknowledgment on the hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment resource.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK) transmission efficiency in downlink shared channel communications. The problem addressed is the delay and resource allocation inefficiency when transmitting acknowledgments for multiple downlink shared channels, particularly in scenarios with tight timing constraints. The apparatus includes a receiver, processor, and transmitter. The receiver obtains a third indication specifying multiple HARQ-ACK resources, each linked to a downlink shared channel. The processor decodes a first downlink shared channel. Upon successful decoding, it identifies a subset of available HARQ-ACK resources that occur after the processing delay for the first downlink shared channel. From this subset, the processor selects the HARQ-ACK resource with the earliest starting symbol. The transmitter then sends a positive acknowledgment on this selected resource. This approach optimizes HARQ-ACK transmission by dynamically selecting the earliest available resource after accounting for processing delays, ensuring timely acknowledgment while minimizing resource wastage. The solution is particularly useful in high-speed wireless systems where efficient resource utilization and low-latency feedback are critical.
15. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the apparatus is configured to: receive a first user equipment indication indicating that a transmission configuration index field is present in downlink control channels of the first control resource set; and receive a second user equipment indication indicating that the transmission configuration index field is present in downlink control channels of the second control resource set; wherein the transmission configuration index field in a downlink control channel provides information on quasi-co-location relationships between downlink reference signals in one reference signal set and the downlink control channel demodulation reference signal ports.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses for managing downlink control channels in a network with multiple control resource sets. The problem addressed is the need for efficient signaling of quasi-co-location (QCL) relationships between downlink reference signals and demodulation reference signals (DMRS) in control channels, particularly in scenarios where multiple control resource sets are configured for a user equipment (UE). The apparatus is designed to receive two separate UE indications. The first indication signals that a transmission configuration index (TCI) field is present in downlink control channels of a first control resource set. The second indication signals that the TCI field is also present in downlink control channels of a second control resource set. The TCI field in these control channels provides information on QCL relationships, specifying how downlink reference signals in one reference signal set are related to the DMRS ports used for demodulating the control channels. This allows the UE to accurately track and demodulate control information based on the QCL assumptions, improving reliability in multi-beam or multi-panel communication scenarios. The apparatus ensures that the UE can dynamically adapt to changing channel conditions by updating the TCI state for each control resource set independently.
16. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein: the receiver receives a fourth indication indicating a monitoring periodicity; and the processor determines the third set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions corresponding to the associated search spaces based on the monitoring periodicity; wherein: the first search space comprises a first monitoring periodicity and the second search space comprises a second monitoring periodicity; and the monitoring periodicity is larger than the first monitoring periodicity and the second monitoring periodicity.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses for monitoring downlink control channels in a network. The problem addressed is the efficient management of downlink control channel monitoring to reduce power consumption and processing overhead in user devices while maintaining reliable communication. The apparatus includes a receiver and a processor. The receiver obtains a fourth indication specifying a monitoring periodicity for downlink control channel monitoring. The processor uses this periodicity to determine a third set of monitoring occasions for associated search spaces, which are regions in time and frequency where control information is expected. The first and second search spaces have their own monitoring periodicities, but the overall monitoring periodicity is larger than either of these, allowing for less frequent monitoring and reduced power consumption. The processor adjusts monitoring occasions based on this larger periodicity to balance efficiency and reliability. This approach optimizes resource usage by aligning monitoring with the least frequent periodicity, ensuring devices do not waste energy checking for control information too often. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple search spaces with different periodicities coexist, such as in advanced wireless networks like 5G or beyond.
17. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein: the receiver receives a fifth indication indicating a duration; the processor determines the third set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions corresponding to the associated search spaces based on the duration, wherein: the first search space comprises a first monitoring periodicity and a first duration, and the second search space comprises a second monitoring periodicity and a second duration; and the duration is different from the first duration and the second duration; and the processor monitors downlink control channel candidates in the associated search spaces in a number of consecutive slots indicated by the duration.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses for monitoring downlink control channels in a network. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and efficient monitoring of downlink control channels in scenarios where different search spaces have varying monitoring periodicities and durations. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to obtain a fifth indication specifying a duration, and a processor that determines a set of downlink control channel monitoring occasions based on this duration. The monitoring occasions correspond to associated search spaces, which include at least a first and a second search space. The first search space has a first monitoring periodicity and a first duration, while the second search space has a second monitoring periodicity and a second duration. The indicated duration differs from both the first and second durations. The processor then monitors downlink control channel candidates in the associated search spaces over a number of consecutive slots defined by the specified duration. This approach allows for dynamic adjustment of monitoring intervals, improving resource utilization and reducing unnecessary processing in wireless communication systems.
18. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the processor: monitors one or more downlink control channel candidates in a first slot of the first set of monitoring occasions; monitors one or more downlink control channel candidates in a second slot of the second set of monitoring occasions; and assumes that the one or more downlink control channel candidates in the first slot of the first set of monitoring occasions and the one or more downlink control channel candidates in the second slot of the second set of monitoring occasions carry the same downlink control information.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for monitoring downlink control channels in a user equipment (UE) device. The problem addressed is the inefficiency in monitoring multiple downlink control channel candidates across different slots, which can lead to increased power consumption and processing overhead. The solution involves a processor in the UE that monitors downlink control channel candidates in a first slot of a first set of monitoring occasions and in a second slot of a second set of monitoring occasions. The processor assumes that the downlink control channel candidates in these slots carry the same downlink control information, reducing redundant processing. This approach optimizes resource utilization by avoiding repeated decoding of identical control information, thereby improving energy efficiency and system performance. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where the same control information is transmitted across multiple slots, such as in beam failure recovery or semi-persistent scheduling. The processor's ability to recognize and leverage this redundancy minimizes unnecessary computations, enhancing overall system efficiency.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein one or more downlink shared channels are scheduled by one or more corresponding downlink control channels, and: the receiver receives a sixth indication updating an interpretation of a transmission configuration index field in downlink data assignments; and the processor applies the interpretation after a last downlink shared channel reception corresponding to the one or more downlink shared channels.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses for managing downlink shared channel scheduling and transmission configuration in wireless networks. The problem addressed involves efficiently updating and applying transmission configuration interpretations in downlink data assignments to improve communication reliability and resource utilization. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive downlink control and shared channels, and a processor that processes these signals. The receiver obtains a sixth indication that updates the interpretation of a transmission configuration index (TCI) field in downlink data assignments. The TCI field specifies the quasi-colocation (QCL) assumptions for downlink transmissions, which are critical for beamforming and signal reception. The processor applies this updated interpretation after the last downlink shared channel reception corresponding to the scheduled downlink shared channels. This ensures that the new TCI configuration is applied only after all pending transmissions using the previous configuration are completed, preventing disruptions and maintaining synchronization. The apparatus may also include a transmitter for sending uplink control or data signals, and the receiver may further obtain other indications related to downlink control channel monitoring, downlink shared channel scheduling, and transmission configuration updates. The system ensures seamless transitions between different TCI states, optimizing beam management and reducing errors in data reception. This method is particularly useful in advanced wireless networks like 5G and beyond, where dynamic beamforming and precise timing are essential for high-speed, low-latency communication.
20. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein: the demodulation reference signal ports of the first control resource set comprise a first set of demodulation reference signal ports and a second set of demodulation reference signal ports; the first set of demodulation reference signal ports are quasi-collocated with the first set of reference signals; and the second set of demodulation reference signal ports are quasi-collocated with a third set of reference signals, and the first and the third sets of reference signals are different.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving the handling of demodulation reference signals (DMRS) in control resource sets. The problem addressed is the efficient management of DMRS ports to ensure accurate channel estimation and reliable communication in dynamic wireless environments. The apparatus includes a first control resource set with multiple DMRS ports, divided into two distinct sets: a first set and a second set. The first set of DMRS ports is quasi-collocated (QCL) with a first set of reference signals, meaning they share certain channel properties such as Doppler shift, delay spread, or spatial parameters. The second set of DMRS ports is QCL with a third set of reference signals, which are different from the first set. This separation allows the apparatus to independently configure and optimize the DMRS ports based on different reference signals, improving channel estimation accuracy and reducing interference. The apparatus may also include a second control resource set with its own DMRS ports, which can be QCL with a second set of reference signals. This further enhances flexibility in managing DMRS ports across multiple control resource sets. The invention ensures that DMRS ports are properly aligned with their respective reference signals, improving signal reliability and overall communication performance in wireless networks.
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August 9, 2019
April 12, 2022
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